Triple E: A Preparation Guide

Triple E: A Preparation Guide

Brett Nkabasele

The dangerous EEE virus has spread across the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. So far, the lethal disease has already taken the lives of seven people, making this the worst year of the virus to date. Everyone in these locations are at risk and one out of every three people will die from the infection. The virus is also known for damaging the minds of its victims, leaving none the same.

According to our available sources the first real sightings of the EEE virus was in Massachusetts of 1831. However, the victims were only horses and cattle. The first human cases where identified in the New England region of 1938. In the present day, Triple E is present in Nort, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

EEE is an acronym for Easturn Equine Encephalitis. The disease is spread through the bites of infected adult mosquitoes. Sometimes birds will catch the infection and spread it to horses and humans. Despite this, the virus is quite rare and few serious cases are reported. Usually, people are most likely to catch the virus from July to September, since the cold weather freezes carrier bugs to death. It’s still very important not to be on alert and aware.

To know if you are infected, here are some symptoms you should be aware of.

●  Highfever

●  Headache

●  Tiredness

●  Nausea/Vomiting

●  Neckstiffness

Unfortunately, as of today, there is no human vaccine for EEE or antiviral drugs for treatment. The best you can do is seek medical help from a local doctor. The local community of Tewksbury have taken actions to protect the youth from infection. The high school has been sprayed down and after school activities have been reduced.